It's Jena in July

Newport County AFC is proud and excited to confirm that we will playing the 're-match' against FC Carl Zeiss Jena on Saturday 26th July 2014 at Rodney Parade with a 3:00pm kick off.

Plenty of hard work has gone into arranging this prestigious friendly with County's Tony Pring and Jena's Press Officer Andreas Trautmann laying the groundwork for what is sure to be a fantastic occasion.

Following on from the success of last season's friendly in Germany (which ironically also finished in a 2-2 draw as per the ECWC Quarter Final 1st Leg back in 1981) excitement is building for the return game and everyone at the club is extremely happy that the match has been secured.

Chief Executive Dave Boddy enthused: ‘Everybody within the Club is really excited by the prospect of welcoming FC Carl Zeiss Jena to Newport in July, 33 years after their famous visit for the European Cup Winners Cup quarter-finals. We are delighted to be able to return the compliment that Jena extended to us last July, when we visited Germany. There is without doubt a unique bond between our two Clubs and supporters which was so evident when we went to Germany. The spirit and camaraderie between the two sets of supporters on that visit is something I will remember for the rest of my life. We intend to make a very special weekend of it, with lots of other things going on as well as the game.’

FC Carl Zeiss Jena has intimated that in excess of 1,000 fans from Germany are likely to travel and there is great interest in this fixture with the historic background of the European clashes 33 years ago.

Chairman of FC Carl Zeiss Jena Lutz Lindemann stated: 'When we played in Newport in 1981, not a fan of Jena was allowed to accompany us! Now, 33 years after that memorable game, many fans will make the journey safely. This makes us very happy.'

General Manager Roy Stapelfeld added: 'The atmosphere in the last year in Weimar and Jena remains unforgotten. Many contacts and friendships were made. Now we are looking forward to the reunion.'

Check the website for updates on the game including ticket news and events surrounding this momentous occasion.